Boating Accident

February 27, 2019

9-Year-Old Boy Killed in Crystal River Boat Crash

A 9-year-old Ocala boy was killed in a boat crash in Crystal River recently, according to wildlife officials.

The boy’s family was on a fishing trip at Crystal River Preserve State Park in Citrus County when the recreational open bay boat that his father was driving hit a channel marker.

The boy, who was wearing a life vest, was thrown from the boat, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said.

He was taken to Bayfront Health Seven Rivers hospital in Crystal River, then flown to All Children’s hospital, where he died.

The crash is under investigation, FWC said.

Boating accidents in Florida are not uncommon. In fact, the state of Florida has over one million registered boats. With that many peope on the waterways, it is no surprise that Florida has the highest number of boating fatalities, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Many boating accidents involve collisions with docks, other boats, bridges, barges, or channel markers. Because boats have no brakes and the waterways have no stop signs or traffic lights to guide boaters, boating safety knowledge and common sense are a must for all boat operators. Just one simple mistake can result in serious injuries, or even death.

August 5, 2014

Citrus Teen Dies in Drowning Accident Off Coast of Hernando County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Citrus County teenager drowned last week while diving with friends off the Hernando County coast.

According to investigators, the teen and his friends were about 17 miles off the coast when he dove in the water and never came back up for air.

His friends were able to locate him quickly and performed CPR, but it was too late. The teen was pronounced dead a short time later at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center.

According to officials, autopsy results are pending, but foul play is not suspected.

Diving and drowning accidents occur every year in Florida communities. According to a US Coast Guard study, more than 4,500 boating accidents occur each year. In 2012, nearly 20 percent of these accidents resulted in fatalities. Drowning is in fact a leading cause of death from boating accidents in the open water, and diving only increases these risks. If you or someone you love has suffered from a diving, near-drowning or drowning accident, you should seek legal help immediately so that you can understand what steps need to be taken to protect your rights.

June 5, 2014

National Boating and Fishing Week – Tips to Prevent Boating Accident Injuries

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

It is officially boating season and this week is National Safe Boating Week. What better way to kick off the start of boating season then to spend some time floating on Citrus County’s amazing waterways.

To help you and your family get in the mood for some H20 fun, check out these safety tips designed for preventing boating injuries:

Never drink and boat! Drinking while boating can significantly increase the odds that you’ll be injured. In fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating under the influence increases the odds of a boating fatality by 34 percent. Also, it is against the law.